As recently as the 1940s, Newfoundland was a self-governing British dominion completely independent of Canada. When it became clear that Newfoundland would be better off joining a larger nation, most Newfoundlanders began looking south. They wanted to attach themselves to the United States, not Canada.

Hunh. But those damn crafty Canucks! Bastards:

Polls taken in 1947 report that 80 percent of Newfoundland’s population wanted to become Americans….

So what happened? Canada played hardball. In desperation, the Canadian government orchestrated elections to ensure the outcome they wanted. The United States government, not especially interested in acquiring a new state, didn’t wage a counter-campaign.

But Newfoundland still has a chance. According to the Articles of Confederation (Article XI):

Canada acceding to this confederation, and adjoining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to all the advantages of this Union; but no other colony shall be admitted into the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine States.